Thousands expected to hail the ale this weekend at Shropshire Oktoberfest

And Shropshire Oktoberfest organisers say this year’s event - based around a classic Bavarian beer festival - will be bigger and better than last year.

The three-day event at Shrewsbury Quarry gets under way at 5pm on Friday, promising more than 150 real ales, special cider and lager areas, as well as gin, prosecco, rum and cocktail stands.

There will also be live music - including plenty of traditional German oompah sounds - street food, a comedy club and a special games area.

Organiser Beth Heath, of Shropshire Festivals, said the finishing touches were being put to the marquees and Quarry throughout the week and the event was on track to be a huge success.

She said: "We have a much bigger tented area this year as well as more beer, particularly from Germany, and a bigger assortment of food stands to make sure there is something for everyone.

"Our inspiration comes from the original German Oktoberfest of course, so we have plenty of German sausages ready to go and a selection of oompah bands and local acts on hand to get the party going.

"The brilliant Andy McKeown will be bringing his fantastic light show to the main marquee on Saturday night for what promises to be an absolutely unmissable event."

A family fun day will take over the festival on Sunday with free entertainment for children and a host of street food outlets on hand to serve up Sunday lunch.

The festival will also see the winners of Wood’s Brewery’s search for the best Shropshire lad and lass being named.

"We have been chuffed to bits with the advance ticket sales for this year’s event, which really seems to have captured the attention of the county," Beth added.

"Now we just can’t wait to get the party started."

The event kicks off at 5pm on Friday and runs all day Saturday, and from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, with ticket prices starting at £6.

For more information go to www.shropshireoktoberfest.co.uk